An Assistant Professor of Economics at Yale University, Dean Karlan conducts research on a number of topics but primarily examines microfinance programs for the poor in developing countries.  Specifically, his microfinance research agenda “comprises projects which examine impact on clients and households and projects which examine the efficacy of a given design.”  Much of his research is coordinated through Innovations for Poverty Action and M.I.T. Jameel Poverty Action Lab.

Dean Karlan has conducted research with Freedom from Hunger partner implementing organizations evaluating, for instance, the impacts of Freedom from Hunger’s business education modules.  Currently, he is working closely with us to design evaluations for our new initiatives, including Microfinance and Health Protection.